Daimler Darts are Golden in Cleveland

Organizers are hoping for a record turnout of Daimler SP250s at British Car Day XXIII in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 1.photo courtesy David LaChance

It might have gone unnoticed among the hoopla about the Miniâ€™s 50th anniversary and Morganâ€™s centenary, but the Daimler SP250 has also reached its 50th birthday. To celebrate, the Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club of North America is going all-out to have as many of the V-8 powered roadsters as possible appear at British Car Day XXIII on Saturday, August 1, in Cleveland, Ohio.

You might remember the SP250, initially known as the Dart until Chrysler threatened legal action. Powered by a 2,547cc V-8 of Daimlerâ€™s own design, the fiberglass-bodied sports car was aimed squarely at the American market. Though performance was impressive, the car was held back by its somewhat controversial styling. Its days became numbered when Jaguar bought Daimler, although it remained in the catalog until 1964. Just 2,645 were produced, and most went to the U.S. â€œTheyâ€™re a lot of fun,â€ said Bob Santoro of the Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club. â€œTheyâ€™re addictive, because itâ€™s the British interpretation of the Corvette.â€

Bob estimates that there are 600 SP250s left in North America, of which a third might be roadworthy. Heâ€™s hoping to get at least 20 together at British Car Day XXIII at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, near Cleveland; if 30 show up, it might be a record. A flier for the show can be found at www.nctaweb.com. For more information, contact Bob at 513-305-9312.

(This post originally appeared in the July 2, 2009, issue of the Hemmings eWeekly Newsletter.)